Strengthening Public Health Protection against Unconventional Threats in the Balkans
Albanian National Medical Emergency Center (NMEC) coordinates a training session in Tirana, March 2024
Strengthening Public Health Protection Against Unconventional Threats in the BalkansRecently, the National Medical Emergency Centre of Albania (NMEC) coordinated a comprehensive training session in Tirana. Characterized by practical exercises and live demonstrations, this event gained significant attention from citizens and stakeholders alike.
The initiative comprised a two-day training program delivered by the Centre as part of a project led by the European Union's "Centre of Excellence." With participation from 10 nations across the Western Balkans and South-Eastern Europe, the project aims to reinforce medical capacities to effectively counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents.
Dr. Skender Brataj, Director of the National Medical Emergency Centre, emphasized the paramount importance of the event, highlighting the critical role of proper personal protective equipment and protocol in mitigating unconventional risks. Medical personnel demonstrated essential dressing techniques for safeguarding against contaminating agents, showcasing specialized garments and isolation measures encompassing boots, gloves, and gas masks.
Facilitated by Albanian trainers from NMEC with the presence of international experts, the training session attracted medical personnel from University Hospitals of Tirana, as well as representatives from regional hospitals and various municipalities, including Vlora, Kukës, Durrës, Berat, Lezhë, Elbasan, and Shkodër. Additionally, representatives from the Institute of Public Health and the radiation protection office actively participated, reflecting a concerted interagency effort towards strengthening national resilience against CBRN threats.
Culminating in practical exercises conducted in "Skënderbej" square, with active involvement from the fire brigade, underscored Albania's collaborative emergency response spirit. This holistic approach, blending theoretical insights with hands-on exercises, not only enhances readiness but also fosters community engagement and awareness regarding emergency preparedness.
The event's significance was further highlighted by recent developments, including the agreement signed between the European Centre for Disaster Medicine CEMEC and the National Medical Emergency Centre of Albania. This agreement holds promise for future collaborations aimed at advancing emergency medical capabilities and fostering regional resilience in the face of evolving threats.
Feedback post cours:CEMEC Supporting Disaster Preparedness Efforts
A delegation from Italy, led by the mayor and representatives from the Municipality of Porto Sant'Elpidio, along with the President and volunteers from Croce Verde of Fermo, recently met national authorities and mayors from various locations in Tirana.
The delegation engaged in constructive discussions with the Albanian counterpart underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts in disaster management. Furthermore, in an impressive live exercise, volunteers demonstrated their work in Skanderbeg Square, simulating the rescue of individuals who were trapped after an earthquake. High level representatives, including the Deputy Minister of Interior of the Republic of Albania, and the Director of the Volunteer Centre for Civil Emergencies, extended their institutional greetings, acknowledging the significance of such collaborative initiatives.
Notably, the European Centre for Disaster Medicine participated in the event, offering its expertise and support, and reaffirming its longstanding commitment to enhancing risk awareness and preparedness among volunteers and communities.
Looking ahead, a series of training sessions is scheduled for April, aimed at equipping Albanian operators with essential skills for effective disaster response. The Civil Protection of Fermo, leveraging its instructors and technical-scientific experts, will spearhead the formation of specialized rescue teams and provide training on territory monitoring and emergency management at the municipal level.
This initiative signifies a significant step forward in fostering resilience and strengthening cross-border cooperation in disaster preparedness and response efforts. By connecting collective expertise and resources, the partnership between Italian and Albanian organizations, supported by institutions like the European Centre for Disaster Medicine, represents a tangible action to safeguard lives and mitigate the impact of emergencies.
